Adjustable grip bowling ball kit

ABSTRACT

An adjustable grip bowling ball kit, comprising tubular sleeve member adapted for permanent insertion into a bowling ball grip hole and a plurality inserts to be removably inserted to the sleeve member. The tubular sleeve member is further equipped with at least one guide means extending from said inner diameter surface into the interior of the tubular sleeve member. Each insert has an outer diameter surface to define an exterior of the insert and an inner diameter surface to define an interior of each insert. Each insert has a distal end and a proximal end and each insert is further equipped with at least one channel groove extending along the outer diameter surface of the insert. Each channel groove is adapted to cooperatively engage the guide means of the tubular sleeve upon insertion of said insert into said sleeve member. Each channel groove terminates in a guide retention means whereby rotation of the insert in the tubular sleeve member in one direction causes the guide means to cooperatively engage said guide retention means to secure the insert within said tubular sleeve member. Rotation of the insert in another direction causes the guide means to disengage the guide retention means to facilitate easy removal of the insert from the tubular sleeve member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an adjustable grip bowling ball kit to allow a player to custom fit any bowling ball to his/her personal grip and feel, and to provide a way to allow the player to vary the grip during the play of the game to suit lane conditions and to accommodate variability of the player's fingers and hand size during the game.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Goldman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,106 is directed to an adjustable aid kit for a bowling ball having a thumb sleeve and a pair of finger sleeves. The sleeves are permanently mounted into a bowling ball grip hole. The sleeves are equipped with a threaded potion at their distal ends. The inserts are also threaded at their distal ends and equipped with a key configuration at their proximal ends. When the insert is inserted into the sleeve, a key tool is used thread the insert into the sleeve thereby holding it in place. When it is desired to change the grip of the ball, the key is used to unthread the insert and insert a new insert.

[0005] Goldman '106 differs from the instant invention. The present invention does not use a sleeve that is threaded at its distal end to threadably engage a threaded insert to retain the insert in place in the sleeve. Rather, the instant invention is directed to an adjustable grip bowling ball kit that has guide means located along the inner diameter surface of the sleeve. Each insert has a distal end and a proximal end and each insert is further equipped with at least one channel groove extending along the outer diameter surface of the insert. Each channel groove is adapted to cooperatively engage the guide means of the tubular sleeve upon insertion of said insert into said sleeve member. Each channel groove terminates in a guide retention means whereby rotation of the insert in the tubular sleeve member in one direction causes the guide means to cooperatively engage said guide retention means to secure the insert within said tubular sleeve member. Rotation of the insert in another direction causes the guide means to disengage the guide retention means to facilitate easy removal of the insert from the tubular sleeve member. Accordingly, the present invention differs from Goldman '106.

[0006] Seyler U.S. Pat. No. 4,247,102 is directed to a removable interchangeable thumb or finger grip insert for the thumb or finger hole of a bowling ball. The insert is generally cylindrical and hollow and is formed with a slotted resilient hollow bottom slotted and threaded for insertion to a threaded drilled hole in a bowling ball using a tool to thread the insert into the hole.

[0007] The present invention does not use threaded inserts and does not rely upon tools to insert the finger grips into the bowling ball holes. Accordingly, the present invention differs from Seyler '102.

[0008] Scheid et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,343 B1 is directed to a method of adapting a relatively small number of bowling balls for use in testing by a relatively large number of bowlers having different hand sizes. The method consists of pre-drilling a number of grip holes and inserting removable inserts therein that are configured to fit a bowler. To achieve this, hole is counterbored into the existing holes in the ball and a section of PVC tube cut to length. The tube is the threaded internally and adhered into place into the hole. Externally threaded inserts are then threaded into place in the PVC sleeve, as needed to fit the bowler's grip.

[0009] The present invention does not use threaded inserts and threaded sleeves to achieve the adjustable kits of the instant invention. Accordingly the present invention differs from Scheid et al '343.

[0010] Lakusiewicz U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,553 is directed to a finger insert in a bowling ball to accommodate a bowlers fingers through all conditions of play and variability experienced during a game. Interchangeability of the various sizes of inserts is accomplished in part by using a small, end threaded cylindrical rod that screws into a centrally and correspondingly threaded plate in the bottom end of the insert, allowing the bowler to fit one size insert and replace it with another insert of different size of the same anatomical configuration. The self locking mechanism includes at least on projection which is formed integrally with the external surface of the ball hole and extend from any point on the external cylindrical surface of the insert below the level of the ball surface. The insert side extension produces a self locking or detenting function by interfacing with a groove of an appropriately corresponding size and shape formed, as by example, routing into the inner wall of a predrilled ball. The locked insert is released automatically when the groove projection interface is separated by the action of a second rod that is wedged shaped.

[0011] The present invention does not utilize a locking mechanism formed by routing the sidewall of a predrilled hole in the ball. In addition, no tools are necessary to remove the inserts of the present invention and replace them with other more desired inserts to facilitate the finger variability of a bowler.

[0012] It is a chronic problem for bowlers that during the progress of a game, the size of their fingers changes, thereby resulting in poor fit of the ball and corresponding loss of ball control or injury to the fingers. The solution had been to properly fit the ball to the bowler, or for the bowler to have a number of bowling balls with different sized holes. This results in expense and uncertainty for the bowler, as he/she is unsure which bowling ball to use, and whether they have the right bowling ball for the condition their fingers have assumed because of temperature, humidity or personal physiology such as water retention.

[0013] These and other problems in the art have been met by the instant invention as a reading of the specification and claims that follow will show.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is directed to an adjustable grip bowling ball kit, comprising in one embodiment a tubular sleeve member adapted for permanent insertion into a bowling ball grip hole. The tubular sleeve member has a sleeve outer diameter surface to define an exterior of the tubular sleeve member, and a sleeve inner diameter surface to define an interior of the tubular sleeve member. The tubular sleeve member is further equipped with at least one guide means extending from said inner diameter surface into the interior of the tubular sleeve member.

[0015] The kit further includes a plurality of rotatably interchangeable inserts adapted to be coaxially received in the tubular sleeve member and removed therefrom. Each insert has an outer diameter surface to define an exterior of the insert and an inner diameter surface to define an interior of each insert. The exterior diameter of each insert is of smaller diameter than said interior surface of the tubular sleeve member. Each insert has a distal end and a proximal end and each insert is further equipped with at least one channel groove extending along the outer diameter surface of the insert. Each channel groove is adapted to cooperatively engage the guide means of the tubular sleeve upon insertion of said insert into said sleeve member. Each channel groove terminates in a guide retention means whereby rotation of the insert in the tubular sleeve member in one direction causes the guide means to cooperatively engage said guide retention means to secure the insert within said tubular sleeve member. Rotation of the insert in another direction causes the guide means to disengage the guide retention means to facilitate easy removal of the insert from the tubular sleeve member.

[0016] In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an adjustable grip bowling ball kit, comprising a tubular sleeve member adapted for permanent insertion into a bowling ball grip hole. The tubular sleeve member has a sleeve outer diameter surface to define an exterior of said tubular sleeve member, and a sleeve inner diameter surface to define an interior of said tubular sleeve member. The tubular sleeve member is further equipped with at least one guide means extending from said inner diameter surface into said interior of said tubular sleeve member.

[0017] The kit further includes a plurality of rotatably interchangeable inserts adapted to be coaxially received in said tubular sleeve member and removed therefrom. Each insert has an outer diameter surface to define an exterior of the insert and an inner diameter surface to define an interior of each insert. The exterior diameter of each insert is of smaller diameter than said interior surface of the tubular sleeve member. Each insert has a distal end and a proximal end. Each insert is further equipped with at least one channel groove extending longitudinally along the outer diameter surface of each insert from the distal end. Each channel groove is adapted to cooperatively engage the guide means of the tubular sleeve upon insertion of the distal end of the insert into the tubular sleeve member. Each longitudinal channel groove terminates in a circumferential channel groove near the insert proximal end and extending circumferentially along the sleeve outer diameter surface and terminating in a guide retention means. Insertion of the insert causes the guide member to cooperatively engage said longitudinal groove. Upon complete insertion of said insert, rotation of the insert in the tubular sleeve member in one direction causes the guide means to cooperatively engage the circumferential channel groove to engage a guide retention means to secure the insert within said tubular sleeve member. Rotation of the insert in another direction causes the guide means to disengage the guide retention means to facilitate easy removal of the insert from the tubular sleeve member.

[0018] It is further contemplated that the kit include two opposed guide means on the tubular sleeve member, and two opposed longitudinal channels and circumferential channel grooves on said insert outer diameter surface. Upon securing of the insert into the tubular sleeve member, it may be beveled to provide for a custom fit for the player.

[0019] Finally, it is contemplated that the guide retention means is a detent snap fit, or any other structure that will allow for disengagable securing of the insert into the tubular sleeve member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bowling ball with one hole fitted with the adjustable grip kit of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the tubular sleeve member of FIG. 1.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the insert member of FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a detail of the insert of FIG. 3, showing the guide lock means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0024] Turning now to the drawings wherein like numeral refer to like structures, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown therein the adjustable grip kit 10 of the present invention prepared for insertion into the hole of a bowling ball 12. Kit 10 is comprised of a tubular sleeve member 12 that has an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16, that defines an interior 18 of the sleeve. The sleeve has an outer diameter that is less than the diameter of a predrilled or custom drilled hole 20 in the bowling ball. In the interior of the sleeve, a guide member means 22 projects from the inner surface of the sleeve into the interior of the sleeve. While the sleeve will be operable with one such guide member means, it is contemplated that two opposed guide member be used, or in the alternative that a plurality of guide members may be employed in a manner to be hereinafter described. The sleeve is adapted to be inserted into the hole of the bowling ball and may be secured in place by means of an adhesive, such as methyl methacrylate or some other acrylate adhesive to fix a permanent bond between the ball and the sleeve. When inserting the sleeve into the hole in the bowling ball, it will be understood that the sleeve is of such length that it will not extend beyond the surface 24 of the ball. The guide means member may be a cylindrical projection 26, as depicted, or may even be a ball bearing snap fit into place in the inner surface of the sleeve member. Those skilled in the art will understand that many guide member means are possible, and all of them are included in the description set for herein. Moreover, although the guide means member is shown at the proximal end of the sleeve, it is possible that the guide member means may be located anywhere along the inner surface of the sleeve.

[0025] Insert member 28 has a proximal end 30 and a distal end 32. The insert is cylindrical or tubular in shape, and is adapted to be inserted coaxially with the tubular sleeve member in a manner to be hereafter described.

[0026] The inert member has a channel groove 34 the begins at the distal end of the insert and extend some length of the insert to close proximity to the proximal head. As depicted herein, the channel grove is configured to cooperatively engage the guide means when the distal end of the insert is fit within the tubular sleeve member. While one embodiment of the channel groove is shown in the drawings, those skilled in the art recognize that many different configurations for the channel groove are possible to effect the purposes of the present invention.

[0027] Channel groove 34 has longitudinal channel 36 extending from the distal end some length longitudinally along the outer surface of the insert. Near the proximal end, the longitudinal channel meets a circumferential channel 38 that extends some distance circumferentially near the proximal end of the insert. The circumferential channel 38 has a first end 40 that intersects the longitudinal channel groove and a second end 42, that terminates in a guide lock means 44.

[0028] Guide lock means 44 is comprised of a snap fit detent 46. The snap fit detent is formed of a circular portion 48 of the circumferential channel groove including a detent 50. The circular portion is of the same diameter as the channel groove, but is circular so that the detent forms an integral part of the guide lock means and is integral with the circumferential channel groove. It is contemplated that the insert is formed of a material such as PVC or some other hard plastic material such that it is capable of some resilience to allow a guide member to snap into place in the detent thereby locking the guide means into the channel and securing the insert into the sleeve. Once the insert is secured into the sleeve, it is provided with an area which is adapted to be beveled to custom fit the ball to the user.

[0029] In operation, the sleeve is glued into a predrilled hole in the bowling ball. An insert is selected that conforms to the diameter of the player's digit(s). The insert is fitted into the sleeve, distal end first. Insertion of the insert causes the channel groove to cooperatively engage the guide means and ensure coaxial insertion of the insert into the sleeve. When the insert is completely inserted into the sleeve, the guide means will travel up the longitudinal groove, and end at the intersection of the longitudinal groove with the circumferential channel. The player then inserts his/her digit into the insert, and a turning motion of the digit within the insert will cause the insert to rotate. The rotation of the insert causes the guide means to travel along the circumferential channel, and terminates with a snap fit of the guide retention means, shown as the detent. When it is desired to remove the insert, the player inserts his/her digit, rotates in another direction, usually the opposite direction, and the guide means is released from the guide locking means, travels along the circumferential groove to the longitudinal channel groove and the player then extracts the insert.

[0030] Although several embodiments are described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing form the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. An adjustable grip bowling ball kit, comprising: a tubular sleeve member adapted for permanent insertion into a bowling ball grip hole, said tubular sleeve member having a sleeve outer diameter surface to define an exterior of said tubular sleeve member, and a sleeve inner diameter surface to define an interior of said tubular sleeve member; said tubular sleeve member further equipped with at least one guide means extending from said inner diameter surface into said interior of said tubular sleeve member; and a plurality of rotatably interchangeable inserts adapted to be coaxially received in said tubular sleeve member and removed therefrom; each said insert having an outer diameter surface to define an exterior of said insert and an inner diameter surface to define an interior of each said insert; said exterior of each said insert of smaller diameter than said interior surface of said tubular sleeve member; each said insert having a distal end and a proximal end; each said insert further equipped with at least one channel groove extending along the outer diameter surface of said insert; said channel groove adapted to receive said guide means of said tubular sleeve upon insertion of said insert into said sleeve member; said channel groove terminating in a guide retention means whereby rotation of the insert in the tubular sleeve member in one direction causes the guide means to engage said guide retention means to secure the insert within said tubular sleeve member, and rotation of the insert in another direction causes the guide means to disengage the guide retention means to facilitate easy removal of the insert from the tubular sleeve member.
 2. The adjustable grip bowling ball kit of claim 1, further including two opposed guide means extending from said sleeve inner diameter surface and two channels on said outer insert surface to cooperatively engage said guide means.
 3. The adjustable grip bowling ball kit of claim 1, wherein said channel in said insert extends from said distal end longitudinally along said insert outer surface and terminates near said proximal end in a circumferential channel groove extending at least partially circumferentially along said insert outer surface; said circumferential channel groove communicating at a first end with said longitudinal groove, and terminating at its opposite second end with said guide retention means.
 4. The adjustable grip bowling ball kit of claim 1, wherein said guide retention means is comprised of a detent snap fit in said channel groove.
 5. The adjustable grip bowling ball kit of claim 3, wherein said guide retention means is comprised of a detent snap fit.
 6. The adjustable grip bowling ball kit of claim 1, wherein rotation of said insert in one direction locks said insert into said tubular sleeve member, and rotation of said insert in the opposite direction disengages said guide from said guide retention means to allow removal of said insert.
 7. The adjustable grip bowling ball kit of claim 1, wherein said insert is equipped with an area on its proximal end adaptable to be beveled to custom fit a player's digit.
 8. An adjustable grip bowling ball kit, comprising: a tubular sleeve member adapted for permanent insertion into a bowling ball grip hole, said tubular sleeve member having a sleeve outer diameter surface to define an exterior of said tubular sleeve member, and a sleeve inner diameter surface to define an interior of said tubular sleeve member; said tubular sleeve member further equipped with at least one guide means extending from said inner diameter surface into said interior of said tubular sleeve member; and a plurality of rotatably interchangeable inserts adapted to be coaxially received in said tubular sleeve member and removed therefrom; each said insert having an outer diameter surface to define an exterior of said insert and an inner diameter surface to define an interior of each said insert; said exterior of each said insert of smaller diameter than said interior surface of said tubular sleeve member; each said insert having a distal end and a proximal end; each said insert further equipped with at least one channel groove extending longitudinally along the outer diameter surface of said insert from said distal end; said channel groove adapted to receive said guide means of said tubular sleeve upon insertion of said distal end of said insert into said sleeve member; said longitudinal channel groove terminating in a circumferential channel groove near said insert proximal end and extending circumferentially along said sleeve outer diameter surface and terminating in a guide retention means whereby insertion of the insert causes the guide member to cooperatively engage said longitudinal groove, and upon complete insertion of said insert, rotation of the insert in the tubular sleeve member in one direction causes the guide means to cooperatively engage said circumferential channel groove to engage said guide retention means to secure the insert within said tubular sleeve member, and rotation of the insert in another direction causes the guide means to disengage the guide retention means to facilitate easy removal of the insert from the tubular sleeve member.
 9. The adjustable bowling ball grip of claim 8, further including two opposed guide means on said tubular sleeve member, and two opposed longitudinal channels and circumferential channel grooves on said insert outer diameter surface.
 10. The adjustable bowling ball grip of claim 8, wherein said guide retention means is a detent snap fit. 